Somalian sports official temporarily dismissed after embarrassing race
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SUSPENDED! Somalian sports official temporarily dismissed after embarrassing race
The crackdown as to how Somali national, Nasra Abukar Ali was allowed to take part in the World University Games, is well underway.
Somalian sports official temporarily dismissed after embarrassing race
Image by pexels
Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwomen of the Somali Athletics Federation has officially been suspended for what has been described as the abuse of power, defaming the nation and nepotism. This in connection to the controversial decision to allow an amateur to participate in the World University Games, which saw her trail far behind her opponents.
The incident has since been circulating over social media which has since prompted the Sports Minister, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, to attempt to repair the damage and salvage the nation’s reputation.
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WHO IS NASRA ABUBAKAR ALI?
Nasra Abukar Ali, who has since coined herself the name “Somali Runner” online, is just like you and me-not an athlete and definitely not a sprinter.
The 20 year old sent shock waves across the globe after she took over 20 seconds to complete the 100m at the World University Games that took place on Tuesday. This was almost double the time taken by the winner of the race, Gabriela Mourão from Brazil.
The race saw a visible new “athlete” – Ali, glance at her competition at the start of the race, in what many have since described as a moment of confusion as to how to position herself before running. Thereafter, the true show began, which saw Ali run her own snail-paced race.
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SOMALIA SPORTS: THE BREEDING GROUND FOR NEPOTISM
Following the embarrassing ordeal, an investigation was conducted, where the Minster of Youth and Sports Mohamed Barre Mohamud in Somalia confirmed that Ali was neither a “sports person, nor a runner”. This has ignited the conversation of nepotism in Somalia and how it has even found its way into sports.
Following remarks by the Association of Somalia Universities, that it had not sent any runners to the competition, many members of Somali public have alleged that Ali is the niece of recently suspended, Khadijo Aden Dahir, citing that this aided her in participating in China.
However, this has not been confirmed, with the statement confirming her suspension citing nepotism, but no direct mention of her and Ali.
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COCONUT KELZ’S TAKE ON SOMALIA’S “SPRINTER”
Meanwhile, in Mzansi, jokes and skits are being made to bring more laughter to the situation.
Comedian and skit maker, Lesego Thlabi (aka Coconut Kelz) had social media users tearing up in laughter through her acting out of events of the famous Somali Runner.
